Books like 'The Lying Game: A sweet grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom'
Readers who enjoyed The Lying Game: A sweet grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom by Sara Jane Woodley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine suspense cold hero
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Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Lucy JaneThe first rule of touring? Don’t fall for your crew.Especially not the grumpy, emotionally caged, impossible-to-read sound guy who acts like tolerating pop-country singers is pure torture.Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan clearly doesn’t want to be here. He does his job and barely looks at me unless it’s to scowl...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary office humor length-medium glimpses-kisses -
Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love cold hero contemporary sports athletes dual-pov -
Enticing Her Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsPro: Stuck sharing a bed with my hot, broody boss Con: He’s trying to get me fired Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone... -
I Can't Even by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsEllodie Cassandra Solaire made a single, solitary New Year’s resolution.That resolution was set in stone, and she wouldn’t be breaking it, no matter what.It was simple: Say yes to every person who asks her out on a date until she finds a boyfriend.Easy, right?Wrong.She breaks that New Year’s resolution three months into the year after a guy gives her serial killer vibes...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity from hate to love contemporary military humor length-medium m-f -
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Cash by Lola Wright
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsLiviBeing a female in a male-dominated career can be daunting, but I refuse to allow others’ attitudes to deter me. I always try to be professional, compassionate and non-judgmental. Through hard work, I have earned respect within my department. Wearing a badge and uniform, I’ve seen the best and worst of humanity... -
Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“John-Henry Somerset: Sold!”Somers enters a charity bachelor’s auction without telling his boyfriend. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty.“Pretty and Pink and Perfect”Hazard plans a toddler’s birthday party. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty... -
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
A knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux… When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore.But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
TJ: Sins of the Father by Nicole James
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFROM WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR NICOLE JAMES COMES A ONE-NIGHT STAND, SURPRISE PREGNANCY, MC ROMANCE!TJ—The beautiful tattoo artist told me to leave her alone after what I thought was an amazing night together.Maybe she was just trying to get her bad boy fill... -
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’s fair in love and…medicine?Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity from hate to love small town humor contemporary length-medium m-f -
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son... -
TJ: Sins of the Father by Nicole James
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFROM WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR NICOLE JAMES COMES A ONE-NIGHT STAND, SURPRISE PREGNANCY, MC ROMANCE!TJ—The beautiful tattoo artist told me to leave her alone after what I thought was an amazing night together.Maybe she was just trying to get her bad boy fill... -
One Bossy Date by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsAn accidental date brings together two instant enemies in this hilarious and steamy grumpy boss romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.Never sweat the small stuff, they say.How about when you wake up with a giant stranger showering in your hotel room?There's nothing tiny about Brock Winthrope.He even roars like a lion when he sees me. I scream back...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love suspense cold hero humor contemporary super rich hero new adult -
A Holly Jilly Christmas by Emma St. Clair
My life is nothing like the movies we make at the studio where I work--especially not when it comes to relationships.Which means that there will be absolutely NO romance between me and Case, the grumpy exec I've had a crush on from our very first not-so-meet-cute.We're simply two coworkers scouting the town of Sheet Cake, Texas as a location for filming.That's it...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love cold hero grumpy sunshine christmas humor christian clean -
The CEO I Hate by Leslie North
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Hating Game meets a much hotter Morning Glory—if the grumpy media exec was her brother’s best friend, and this time they actually kissed.Liam Lockhart is my brother’s best friend, a decade older, and the kind of mistake I swore I’d never make twice.Two years ago, we kissed—hard, hot, unforgettable—until he shoved me away like I was a mistake he couldn’t afford. Message received... -
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Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break.So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate.Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting.I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“John-Henry Somerset: Sold!”Somers enters a charity bachelor’s auction without telling his boyfriend. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty.“Pretty and Pink and Perfect”Hazard plans a toddler’s birthday party. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty... -
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rulesNora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a giant of a man who grunts for words and barks out orders, yet circumstances require I be his fake girlfriend and spend the weekend with him in an isolated cabin.And of course there’s only one bed. Just my luck…But I need this commission check that only Boston can guarantee me... -
Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAll I wanted was a fresh start.Instead, I got him.Mr. Mysterious Millionaire in His Tower.Mr. Don't Dare Question Me.Mr. Grumpy With a Side of Fine.Well, he’s about to get introduced to his newest employee,Ms. Doesn’t Give A Flying Toot.All right, all right. I’m exaggerating a bit. I give one or two toots, but I just got finished fleeing the ruins of my former life... -
Marrying The Mafia Boss by Ashlie Silas
I got knocked up by the mafia boss, and now... I have to marry him.What began as a chance encounter on a hotel rooftop with a hot millionaire,soon became an arranged marriage I never saw coming.Tony is as captivating as he is dangerous.Unhinged, unpredictable, and… unforgettable... -
The Plan by Karla Sorensen
Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it. Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump. To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be... -
The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant
He's the last man I should've picked for a one night stand...See that guy over there? The insanely tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, scowling, “I don’t drink coffee” suit?Surprise! He’s the new owner of my family’s mountain café.The café that has been my life purpose since I was born in the kitchen there almost thirty years ago... -
You're Mine: A grumpy sunshine spicy romance by Melody Anne
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsCallan is a man always in control. Sasha is a woman with no plan. Will the two of them destroy each other, or will they go up in flames?Callan is the next brother in the game of boxes to open his so-called gift. He’s being sent to the small town of Seaville. What does this mean? He has no idea... -
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Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right?Wrong.First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.Luckily he’s not my type.Seriously... -
Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right?Wrong.First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.Luckily he’s not my type.Seriously... -
Irish Rebel by L.K. Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaitlínAfter finally convincing my over-protective family to let me visit my uncle in Dublin, I know this may be my only chance to experience everything I’ve always wanted: Adventure. Excitement. Freedom.Until I’m introduced to the man assigned to be my bodyguard. With his silver-flecked hair and wicked scar, Roarke radiates power and danger. Everything I’m drawn to...Categorized as:
forced proximity suspense from hate to love mafia age difference contemporary alpha male humor -
One Hundred Desires by Kelly Collins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s all work.He’s all play.Can they meet in the middle for love?Vivian Armstrong has taken control of Vortex, her family's security business, and she’s determined to prove her worth. She may be the youngest of seven and the only woman bodyguard on the team, but she’s every bit as tough as her older brothers...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity from hate to love contemporary humor sassy heroine length-short audiobook -
Rival Desires by M. S. Parker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Rival Desires, where the rivalry is fiery, but the romance? It's downright scorching.Meet Cory charming, socially awkward, and co-owner of the established Palo Alto finance firm Gracen & McCrae. Enter Rylee Palmer, the brilliant, enigmatic head of the new game-changer in town, Palmer Money Management... -
Spies Don't Fall for Their Rival by Meg Easton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s a spy for the Clandestine Services Agency. She’s a spy for the CIA. They’ve been clashing on joint missions for months, but their worlds are about to seriously collide.Here are three things that I know. 1) I’m an expert at reading body language, 2) I excel as an intelligence operative, and 3) Ledger Lancaster — daring, fearless, and recklessly charming — is my rival... -
One Night with You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNever fall for your best friend.That’s the rule. The code.Claire Harlow always follows rules—except this one.However, when an attack leaves both of their worlds shaken, she decides to walk away from what could have been and hide within her own shadows.Kingston Montgomery is the man who saves the day.At least that’s what he’s always told himself—until one day he was too late... -
Save the Drama for Your Mama by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsForget meet-cute. This is a meet-disaster.MelodyCooper Galloway was my bookstore crush for all of five minutes. Then he opened his mouth and ruined my fantasy. Things go from bad to worse when I arrive for my new job and HE greets me at the door... -
Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSo let me get this straight... For the next few days I’ve got myself a grumpy fake husband who’s also kind of my...bodyguard?I guess that’s a better way to spend the weekend than binge-watching reality television, especially since it’s kind of my fault we’re on the run from the mob and I need a protector.Oops...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
The Love Fixers by Angela R. Casella
**Book One in a new series of romantic comedies by USA Today-bestselling author Angela Casella**Send help and wine. My sister is trying to set me up with the grump next door.ClaireA few hours after losing my job, I get a call from a stranger who claims I’ve inherited property from my father. I assume it’s a scam, because my dad is very much alive. Turns out my mother is the liar... -
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Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn my defense, I never claimed to be professional...At least that’s my excuse for why I mistook a billionaire for a waiter, made off-color comments and accidentally dumped a plate of food all over him.Embarrassing myself is a daily occurrence, just like my unpaid bill notices.But being in a wedding instead of planning one is not...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity suspense contemporary super rich hero humor m-f -
The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer assignment is to not fall in love with him…Zeke Brooksbank is in need of a wake-up call. One that shakes him out of the grump he’s permanently in and turns him into a reasonable human being.I’m not staying at his country residence to tame the beast. I’m meant to be cataloguing his art collection, not fangirling over his own paintings, or becoming attached to his little daughter... -
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting?When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary humor menage length-long -
Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom the author of Four Steps to the Perfect Revenge comes a deliciously witty and lighthearted romance brimming with misadventures, misdeeds, misunderstandings…and one perfectly mismatched couple.A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity contemporary humor office audiobook -
The Trip by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWho wants to take a road trip with two old, bickering women and a complete stranger? Not Jill Savoy. She finds herself behind the wheel of her father’s sacred Winnebago anyway, responsible for her grandmother and adopted aunt, both of whom are mischievous teenagers in old bodies, and then there’s Shay. The last thing on Shay Macaluso’s mind was a vacation... -
The Trouble with Love and Ink by Harriet Ashford
Emily Lane is supposed to be on vacation. Instead, she’s in a meeting where a new hire steals the promotion she’s been slotted for. To make matters worse, the promotion thief is a bit of a jerk both inside and outside cubicle walls.Needing an escape, Emily takes on her sister’s dare to work for her calligraphy company. After all, Emily has been perfecting her pointed pen skills for over a decade...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity suspense contemporary humor m-f length-medium audiobook -
Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Beau Wade left his small hometown of Whitecap, Oregon, he swore to himself he’d never go back. But when his NFL career goes up in smoke, that’s exactly what he finds himself doing. Not much has changed in the ten years he’s been gone... -
My Favorite Hero by Melanie Moreland
In a house full of rules, the only one they can't follow… is staying away.Jesse ThorneLocal hero, firefighter, loner, and now grumpy landlord.She wasn’t what he expected.His new tenant is a walking disaster wrapped in sunshine, breaking every rule he sets and driving him insane.Controlling her? Impossible.Ignoring her? Even harder.And he’s not sure he can stop it... -
Misadventures at City Hall by Victoria Blue
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGo-getter Skye Delaney’s sights are set on the office of LA City Manager, but when her path is blocked by a cloud of corruption at the Mayor’s office, she is forced to reevaluate her ambitious goals. A seat on the City Council is the next logical step, but as they say, politics makes for strange bedfellows. Fellows like Kyle Armstrong... -
The Fastball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's the coach's aggravating daughter. He's the shy guy on first base. And they have no idea they're keeping the same secret. After a devastating accident that leaves his throwing hand in shambles, MLB first baseman, Dax Sage, finds out the woman handling the PR for his recovery is none other than the gorgeous, frigid daughter of his head coach... -
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Going Down by Cat Wynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColin Rush is an overworked hotshot at a Big Four consulting firm. His neighbor Emma Smith is a cutesy but reserved first grade teacher who’s never so much as glanced in his direction. Needless to say, Colin’s positive that Emma’s not his type, and, in turn, Emma thinks Colin is an intimidating player, and probably a jerk. Frankly, they avoid each other at all costs... -
Isabelle and the Beast: A Sweet Rom-Com Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Marie Soleil
It was supposed to be a quick meeting.I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone... -
Runaway Love by Lea Coll
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA dream wedding, a bride with cold feet, and the mountain man that comes to her rescue.I never thought that, on my wedding day, I would literally bolt from my wedding, and into the arms of a grumpy mountain man. Emmett offers me a much-needed respite from the chaos, inviting me into his cabin to "hide out" until all the wedding guests leave...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity christmas contemporary humor small town length-medium -
A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage by Susanne McCarthy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsVicky has always been sensible when it comes to love. What if this time she wasn’t?Vicky Marston inherits beautiful Bramble Cottage in a South Devon seaside village. Her fiancé in London keeps pushing her to sell it on as quickly as it’s the sensible thing after all. But Vicky’s plans are disrupted by her new neighbour, Tom Cullen... -
Luca & Ivy and the Four Calling Birds by Ellie Hall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWould you rather be stranded in a snowstorm with Miss All-things Christmas or the Grinch?IvyIf you ever find yourself on the run, do not, I repeat, do not drive off the road and into an icy pond. Should you have such an accident, do not wander into the woods to a chalet with a blazing fire. But if you lose feeling in your toes and go inside to warm up, do not, I repeat, do not, doze off...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love christmas contemporary humor length-short -
A Wedding Mismatch by Kaylee Baldwin
Let’s play a Two truths and a lie.1. I am a self-help influencer who is a hot mess.2. If I don’t get some quiet time between planning my sister’s wedding to finish my book, Happily Single, I’m in hot water with my publisher.3. I’m blackmailing the hot grump next-door into letting me live with him until this book is done...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary humor glimpses-kisses found-family length-medium
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